Yesterday was a big day for the Toronto Marlies at the Rioch Coliseum as they hosted a Canadian Forces Appreciation Day.

The event was organised in conjunction with the MLSE Team Up Foundation, who donated a generous $36,000 to the Soldier On Fund:

MLSE Team Up Foundation donate money to the Solider On Fund

In honour of the troops, the Marlies decided to wear special camouflage jerseys for the game:

Toronto Marlies in camouflage jerseys

Well, I guess it’s the thought that counts.

Here’s Corey Syvret sitting on the bench, wishing he really was camouflaged:

Corey Syvret sitting on the bench

As part of the festivities, members of the Canadian Forces took part in a ceremonial puck drop with the team captains:

Marlies ceremonial puck drop with Canadian Armed Forces

A member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a young fan proudly pose with their Marlies hats.  They may or may not be chuckling to themselves about the camouflage jerseys:

Troop and young fan at Marlies game

While we’re (still) on the subject of the jerseys, several of them were auctioned off during the game.  However, this father and son appear genuinely conflicted between helping out a really good cause and potentially having to actually own one of the jerseys:

Father and Son bidding on game worn Marlies jerseys

Given the occasion, it was only fitting the Marlies went on to beat the Binghamton Senators 2-1 in a shootout.  Afterwards the players posed for a group photo with the troops:

Troops and Marlies pose for a group photo

Post game, Sam Carrick and his teammates also signed autographs in Marlies Alley to round off a special afternoon for players, troops and fans alike:

Sam Carrick signing autographs in Marlies Alley

Photo credits: @TorontoMarlies & @joshjimenez

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